Monday, December 12, 2011

Finding Danny

There are several theories as to the origin of the Christmas tree. Some say it began in Germany almost 1000 years ago when St Boniface (who converted the German people to Christianity) was said to have come across a group of pagans worshiping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface allegedly cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.

The Garlick Press has one of those mish-mash trees...you know, the polar opposite of the perfect evergreen trees shown glowing from a Pottery Barn catalog. As it is...the only thing our ornaments have in common...is the fact that they have nothing in common.

Several times throughout the years, I've been tempted to throw out the hodge-podge and opt for a more traditional tree with matching ornaments and coordinating garland and bows.

This Rockettes ornament came from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Of course I have an ornament of my favorite beverage.

The hand made treasures kiddos brought home from school projects are still adorable.

Seemingly ages ago, the Teenager made this one in preschool...astonishingly it made the trip home in a little guy's backpack and has been hanging on the tree ever since.

I easily recall the story each ornament has to tell. Yearly as we decorate the tree, I'll quiz the family as to the origins...almost willing them to remember year after year.

There are ornaments that represent memories. This ridiculous Bart Simpson ornament came from Orlando...reminding us of the year we took a page from the John Grisham novel and "Skipped Christmas!" It was the first year without our Jocie. Christmas Day was celebrated on The Simpson Ride in warm sunny Florida.

This gorgeous one is made of crystal and glass. We picked it up in the Czech Republic.

And this guy came from Moscow Russia.

One by one...the tree soon becomes an evergreen journal filled with magical moments.

The Garlick Press is especially fond of Santa on a string of garlic...clever!

The official White House ornament from a few years ago.

Pink Ballet shoes...the year Lawyer Girl began dancing on Pointe. Although she most likely hates to admit to her dancing days...it's a part of her story none the less.

This one speaks for itself!

Right up to the angel sitting on top, which we purchased from the most enchanting year-round Christmas store in historic Ellicott City Maryland so long ago. The back wall of the Christmas store was the mountain side...it had the coolest smell in there.

But perhaps my most cherished ornaments are the ones with the funny childhood faces. We tease and giggle about them year after year. Like this one of baby Cassandra just 6 weeks old

Or this one of Jocie wearing one of her many signature hats she loved.

And this one of Little Man Chet...just four years old when this was taken.

And last but not least, the one of Dione as a baby dressed in a holiday outfit with a bow-tie. She claims she looks like a little boy in the photo; we have been referring to it as the Danny ornament for as long as I can remember. It is not Dione's favorite photo...to say the least.

But alas...WHERE IS DANNY you might ask?

Well, here is the deal. While Lawyer Girl was visiting over Thanksgiving break...Danny came up missing....hidden somewhere in the boughs of the Evergreen. This is Dione's game which she plays every year. It makes the rest of the family crazy...spending hours playing hide and seek with Danny among the thousands of lights and hundreds of ornaments.

So...I'm going to outsmart that clever, tricky, slightly devious second daughter of mine. Two can play at this game.

I'm hereby issuing a reward!

Anyone who can locate Danny gets one of my fresh homemade pies...you pick the flavor! And hurry...because Lawyer Girl is due to arrive home for the holidays very soon!

Muahahahaha! I'm SO pleased that Danny is exactly where I left him - in the past!

You know, I don't even hate the photo, mostly I just think it's fun to play this game every year. Ha! Aren't you glad your children are unique? How boring would Christmas be without our spunky personalities?

Lisa I love the story of your tree. I think that's what makes a tree so wonderful. And I like what Dione said. If she handed over Danny, I think you might all miss the fun of this game she plays:)My tree is mixed. It looks like the ocean washed over the front of it, and the sides consist of the memories of which you speak of. Merry Christmas to the Garlick Family!!

I love the story and all the family adventures. I wish you could tell me where to buy your Santa on the garlic string. My daughter had bought me one when she was a little girl and we lost everything to find this ceramic santa would just make our day. :) cheriamor60@gmail.com